Mr Johnson said: "Rather than try to reach a workable figure in reducing funding for important social safety net programs, the House Republican leadership has taken a hardline political stance by proposing a $40 billion cut to the nutrition title of the farm bill.

"This is not progress. Instead of offering a strategy that would cut even deeper into efforts to help those in need, House leadership should appoint conferees to start the process of reaching a compromise with the Senate’s farm programs in August.

"The farm bill extension expires on 30 September, and any delay beyond that date will add unnecessary uncertainty to the livelihoods of America’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities and the more than 16 million people who are employed in agriculture. Time is limited and few legislative days will be available in September. The House Majority should stop making the farm bill even more difficult and start the conference process by naming conferees immediately."